More tips to stay cool for less

Adjust your thermostat when you are asleep or away from home. You can save as much as 10 percent a year on cooling by simply turning your thermostat to 78 F in the summer.

Leave the thermostat’s fan switch on “auto” so the fan only runs when the central air conditioner runs. Setting the fan to “on” causes it to run all the time, whether or not cooling is needed.

Seal obvious cracks and gaps around windows, doors and home siding with caulk and weather stripping to prevent loss of cooled air, improving comfort of your home.

Use fans in the summer, even if you have air conditioning. Circulating cool air makes it feel cooler. Using an air conditioner and fan together means you can set the thermostat at a higher-than-normal setting to save energy. Keep in mind that it does little good to run fans when you’re not around. Similar to an outdoor breeze on a hot summer day, air moving across your body is what makes you feel cooler.

Install a programmable thermostat for your comfort and convenience. It can set the air conditioner to a higher temperature for times you typically are away (like when you go to work) and lower for times you typically are home.

Schedule regular tune-ups for your air conditioner. Seasonal maintenance keeps equipment running safely and efficiently, and saves money in the long run.